Murang'a SEAL stuns Shabana in a day of barren draws

Players and supporters of Murang'a SEAL celebrate at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on August 27, 2023. SEAL beat Shabana FC 1-0 . [James Omoro, Standard]

Newly promoted Murang'a SEAL announced their arrival in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League after narrowly edging out rivals Shabana 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday.

Both teams earned promotion to the top tier league after finishing in the top two of the National Super League last season, Shabana winning the title but it was SEAL who had the last laugh on their debut.

SEAL however had to wait until the final minutes to celebrate as Batts Awita came off the bench to score the winner in the 91st minute and hand Gabriel Nguruge maximum points on his first day on the job.

Speaking after the win, Nguruge said the win came as no shock to him since they knew their strengths and were confident to beat Shabana.

"I am not surprised with the win as many people think. SEAL is a very strong side with quality. We did not get to the Premier League by mere luck but by hard work and determination.

"In fact, I expected us to win by more than four goals if you look at the chances we missed. We take the win and build on it ahead of our next match. The journey has just begun," said Nguruge.

SEAL joins Tusker and Nzoia Sugar as the only sides to register wins on the opening weekend and at the top of the standings with three points.

Meanwhile, three matches played in Nairobi ended in a draw. AFC Leopards were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man FC Talanta, a similar score line also witnessed in the match pitting Muhoroni Youth (formerly Wazito) and Nairobi City Stars.

Posta Rangers also drew 0-0 against Bidco United.